Natural Surroundings Research Articles

Potential of novel zinc-based nanomaterials on the microbial community, antibiotic resistance genes, and DNA replication in animal manure

The existence of Antibiotic Resistance Genes (ARGs) in diverse everyday environments, such as animal agriculture, natural surroundings, and waste products, presents potential threats to both human health and food safety. Herein, metagenomic sequencing technique was employed to investigate the impact of two zinc-based nanoparticles, Graphene Oxide-modified Zinc Oxide (GOnZnO) and Microorganism-mediated Zinc Oxide (Micro-ZnO), on the microbial community, ARGs, and DNA replication. The results showed that both GOnZnO and Micro-ZnO significantly reduced zinc levels in animal manure when compared to the control group of nano zinc oxide (nZnO). The order of ARGs copy numbers was nZnO > GOnZnO > Micro-ZnO, with a significant difference between the GOnZnO and Micro-ZnO groups. Additionally, the expression levels of various DNA replication genes, including DNA polymerase III holoenzyme, dnaB, dnaG, RNeseH, polA, and Lig, were significantly lower in the GOnZnO group compared to the nZnO group. The Micro-ZnO group exhibited even lower expression levels of these genes compared to the GOnZnO group. In contrast, GOnZnO and Micro-ZnO had no significant impact on archaeal DNA replication pathway-related genes. Specifically, the expression of RNASEH1 was significantly higher in the Micro-ZnO group compared to the GOnZnO and nZnO groups. Co-occurrence network analysis revealed changes in ARGs driven by bacterial and eukaryotic DNA replication and microbial community dynamics. However, there was no correlation observed between ARGs and archaeal DNA replication genes. Overall, these findings add to the existing literature regarding the application of GOnZnO and Micro-ZnO as potential agents for reducing ARGs pollution.

Saprophytic Filamentous Fungi against Helminths Affecting Captive Wild Animals

In recent decades, important modifications have been introduced in zoos in order to guarantee the welfare of captive wild animals. Thus, many of these species are housed in enclosures with access to vegetation, where they can enjoy habitats close to those in their natural surroundings, interact with the environment, etc. These habitats present beneficial conditions for some species of parasites to survive and spread. This is a very similar problem to that affecting livestock, and the same solution, based on deworming, is currently being applied. However, the free-living stages of certain parasites that develop in the soil are responsible for high rates of ground contamination throughout the year, so that animals become infected soon after successful deworming, resulting in chemical parasiticides being frequently administered. Preventive measures are seldom considered, which worsens the situation. This entry summarizes the usefulness of the dissemination of certain saprophytic filamentous fungi with proven antagonism against some of the parasites.

Nilai-Nilai Pendidikan Bagi Manusia Dalam Hukum Islam

This study aims to determine the values of education for humans contained in Islamic law. The research method uses library research through a book survey, namely the study of books/books of Tafsir, Fiqh and books on education. Data analysis uses content analysis, namely data analysis on Islamic law material that is studied about education. Through the study of Tafsir al-Qur'an, Hadith syarah and opinions of Ulama in Fiqh Science. The results of the study found that Islamic law in fact has high educational values. Islamic law provides a number of rules that humans must follow. The rules contain the rules governing human relations with God and humans with humans. All of that leads to benefit for the human self and the natural surroundings. Allah's rules which are contained in Islamic Law, in principle, are to educate people to have good morals and bring benefit to all.

Carbon footprint and employment generation produced by ICT networks for Internet deployment: A multi-regional input-output analysis

Internet is widely regarded as a necessary resource for economic and social development. The availability of this technology requires the deployment of ICT networks which have implications not only on the natural surroundings but also on the human environment. Understanding the impact generated on key areas of socio-ecological concern such as carbon footprint and employment generation is essential to ensure well-informed decision-making. This investigation utilized multiregional environmentally extended input-output (MRIO) methodology to evaluate the carbon footprint and the employment generation associated with providing internet to six geo-demographic scenarios, from urban to remote rural, using Peru as a reference site. The results showed that most of the carbon emissions (289–340 kg CO2 eq./subs./yr.) and employment (7–8 jobs/subs./yr.) associated with larger ICT networks intended for urban and suburban areas was attributable to the manufacturing of end-user devices. The sustainability of smaller ICT networks for rural areas was dominated by the construction of shared infrastructures (mainly 4G LTE equipment), while the contribution of the energy consumed was in all cases limited. Although the analysis considered ICT networks deployed in Peru, most impacts were generated in China, where the manufacturing of the electronic components was assumed to take place. This analysis highlights the value of econometric methods for sustainability assessment such as MR-EEIO, which are complementary to the more conventional process-based E-LCA.

Көне түркілердің отырықшылық тұрмысындағы манихей және несториан діндерінің әсері

The Turkic peoples of Central Asia have long resided at the nexus of Eastern and Western cultures, fusing urban and steppe civilizations with dexterity. Their spiritual life was also strongly influenced by Indian and Persian culture. Indian and Persian cultures first spread to settlements in the Maurennahr and Tarim Basin, and then to small towns and settlements in the foothills of the Semirechye and Erenkabyrga (Tien Shan) mountains. Therefore, Central Asia has become a zone of interweaving of all cultures of the world, including all religions. Different religions spread not only to settled regions, but also to steppes, which led a nomadic lifestyle. In the regions where nomadic Turks lived, small settlements and places of worship were built. Back then, nomads showed respect to anyone who held a religious role. At the same time, for a long time in Central Asia and East Turkestan and neighbouring regions, various cultures and spiritual values of mankind competed closely. This suggests that Central Asia, East Turkestan, and Central Mongolia have evolved geographically as essential components of human civilization since the first century AD. The article discusses how the Manichaean and Nestorian religions, which were prevalent in this area prior to Islam, were viewed by the Turkic people living there and how they fit in with the natural surroundings, social structure, governmental power, etc. The “Yangzhou” and “Monument of the Nine Uighur Khagans” are examples of the widespread adoption of Manichaean and Nestorian religions among the Turks. A linguistic and source examination of these monuments was done.

To assess knowledge, attitude, and practices among caretakers of adults with autism spectrum disorders and intellectual disabilities as regards causes, management methods, and rehabilitation of such children in Jalandhar District of Punjab

Background: Among the developmental disorders, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual disability (ID) are the most common disorders present in human beings. Both of these account for 3–5% of the population. Early intervention with applied behavior analysis in natural surroundings may lead to improvements in I.Q. and change in ASD diagnosis. For young children, caretakers are the first source of instruction in social behavior and training of caretakers is considered very important for effective intervention programs for autistic children. Therefore, intervention strategies should be made through a joint approach between parents and professionals. Aims and Objectives: To assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of caretakers of adults with ASD and ID regarding causes, management, and rehabilitation. Materials and Methods: Caretakers of 100 adults with ASD and ID were selected randomly from APAAR, an NGO based in PIMS; Chanan, an association of caretakers of adults with ID and ASD and from the records with District Education Officer, Jalandhar, were interviewed on a semi-structured pro forma. The data so obtained were analyzed statistically. It was a one-time study. Inclusion criteria – caretakers of adults with ID and ASD who were willing to participate. Exclusion criteria – caretakers of adults with ASD and ID who were not willing to participate. Results: 19 (18.45%) of caretakers of adults with ASD/ID believed that their condition was due to some medical condition whereas 77 (74.76%) believed that it was due to some old karma. 24 (23.3%) parents of children with ASD/ID undertook medical treatment including prevocational training and rehabilitation whereas 72 (69.9%) parents took treatment for traditional healers. 7 (6.8%) did not participate in the study. Conclusion: The majority of caretakers of adults with ASD/ID believed that the condition of their wards was due to old karma and possession by evil spirits as compared to medical causes and so they preferred traditional healing methods instead of medical treatment.

Main Sources of Water Pollution and Environment Protection

Human beings interact with the environment and modify it according to their need. Land, water, air, plants and animals comprise the natural environment. Early humans adapted themselves to the natural surroundings. They led a simple life and fulfilled their requirements from the nature around them. With time needs grew and became more varied. Humans learn new ways to use and change environment. They learn to grow crops, domesticate animals and lead a settled life. The wheel was invented, surplus food was produced, barter system emerged, trade started and commerce developed. Industrial revolution enabled large scale production. Transportation became faster. Information revolution made communication easier and speedy across the world.

The Influence of Block Practice and Random Practice on Mastery of a Series of Pencak Silat Team Moves

IPSI defined that, "Pencak silat is the result of Indonesian culture to defend, maintain existence ( independence), and integration (unity) with the living environment or natural surroundings in order to achieve harmony in life, in order to increase one's faith and piety to God Almighty." In the athlete's performance, the jury referee makes an assessment where there are several points that the jury will assess, namely the sequence of movements, correctness of movement details, stance technique. If the performance exceeds the tolerance time limit given, a penalty will be imposed (a reduction of 10 points) and the participant will be disqualified if he cannot continue the performance due to his mistake. Researchers used two research methods to see a comparison of the results of the training methods that had been carried out. So the title of this research is "The Influence of Block Practice and Random Practice Training Methods on Mastery of the Movement Series of Pencak Silat Team Moves in Cirebon City".The experimental method is a research design that refers to the problem at hand, and looks at the cause and effect of a treatmentthat "the aim of an experiment is to investigate whether or not there is a cause-and-effect relationship. cause-and-effect relationship by administering certain treatments to several experimental groups and providing controls for comparison.” In this research, the method used will be to test (validate) one or more research variables against other variables. In this research design, researchers used 2 groups, where 1 group would be given random practice treatment and 1 group would be given block practice treatment.

Kegiatan Bercocok Tanam untuk Anak Usia Dini dalam Local Wisdom Outing Class di Eduwisata Ndalem Kerto

Naturalist intelligence is the ability to love the beauty of nature which can be stimulated through observing the environment, farming, raising animals, and sensitivity to natural phenomena. Through the stimuli provided, it is hoped that children will become the next generation who have environmentally friendly characters and have the awareness to protect and preserve the existing environment. Through farming activities, it can create a feeling of love for the natural surroundings and can develop children's naturalist intelligence. This article aims to find out the benefits obtained from farming activities in the local wisdom outing class at Eduwisata Ndalem Kerto. This article uses a qualitative descriptive research method. For data collection techniques, this article uses observation and literature study techniques. Based on the results of this research, it can be concluded that the local wisdom outing class activities at Eduwisata Ndalem Kerto have many benefits. The benefits of this activity can improve aspects of children's development, such as aspects of naturalist intelligence, language aspects, motor aspects and social-emotional aspects of children.

Kemampuan Komunikasi Matematika Siswa dalam Pembelajaran

Communication is a routine activity of every human interaction between two or more people. Basically, every activity in transferring ideas or ideas from one party to another or between humans or between humans and the natural surroundings and vice versa. Mathematical communication is an important skill in mathematics, namely the ability to describe mathematical ideas in an integrated manner to teachers, friends and others through written and spoken language. The research method used is qualitative research with descriptive analysis through a literature study approach.

Sumbanese’s Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK): Warung Hupu Liku Ritual and Ecological Ethics

Traditional communities have long been recognized as actors practicing nature-friendly behaviors. They are commonly deemed the champion of sustainable lifestyles. Since the 1980s, there has been a call to learn the so-called Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) embraced by traditional communities. One of the reasons is that the issues of climate crises should be addressed and tackled from various corners. This article attempts to delineate a TEK, an ecological ritual practiced by the traditional community living on the island of Sumba. The ritual, called WHL (warung hupu liku, which means giving the rope tips back [to nature]), could give us an idea of how the community perceives their relationship with natural surroundings, which in turn, exposes their ecological ethics. Primary research data were collected through interviews with four experts of Sumbanese culture/environmental activists and two ritual speakers (wunang). The research reveals that WHL ritual portrays the Sumbanese’s worldview of the human-nature relationship. WHL gives an idea of the Sumbanese ecological ethics, covering reciprocity with nature, mutual respect, modesty in consumption, and sustainable use of natural resources. Because Indonesia is rich in TEK, this time-enduring knowledge and practice should be exposed as a valuable contribution to ecological discourses and policies. The discussion on Sumbanese WHL suggests that traditional and modern approaches could work in tandem to address current environmental issues.

Investigating New Environmentally Friendly Zeotropic Refrigerants as Possible Replacements for Carbon Dioxide (CO2) in Car Air Conditioners

The widespread use of automobiles and the increased duration spent within automobiles equipped with air conditioning systems have prompted various countries to enforce regulations that advocate for eco-friendly cooling substances (refrigerants) characterized by a slight global warming potential (GWP) and the absence of an ozone depletion potential (ODP). The imperative for automobiles to possess air conditioning systems that are both high-performing and eco-conscious has emerged as a means to mitigate their ecological impact, reduce fuel usage, and minimize carbon emissions. Zeotropic refrigerants, with a lower GWP than traditional alternatives, contribute to sustainability in car air conditioning by reducing the environmental impact and enhancing the energy efficiency, aligning with global regulations and fostering innovation in the automotive industry. This shift signifies a commitment to mitigating climate change and adopting environmentally conscious practices. The objective of the present study is to introduce blends of zeotropic refrigerants based on CO2 (R-744), namely R455A (a blend of R-744, R-32, and R-1234yf), R469A (a blend of R-744, R-32, and R-125), and R472A (a blend of R-744, R-32, and R-134a), to enhance the thermodynamic performance of pure CO2 refrigerant. Through the utilization of the Aspen HYSYS V11 software, an investigation is carried out involving thermodynamic energy and exergy analyses, as well as system optimization for an automotive air conditioning (AAC) system utilizing these novel zeotropic refrigerant blends, in comparison with the use of R-744 as the refrigerant. The study delves into the impact of parameters such as average evaporator temperature, condenser/cooler pressure, refrigerant flow rate, and condenser/cooler outlet temperature on AACs’ output parameters and subsequently presents the findings. The outcomes reveal that, under equivalent operational circumstances, the adoption of R455A, R469A, and R472A offers improvements in coefficient of performance (COP) by 35.4%, 18.75%, and 2%, respectively, when compared to R744. This shift is advantageous as it mitigates leakage-related issues stemming from the elevated operational pressure of R744 and eliminates the need for cumbersome equipment. R455A and R469A obtain the greatest COP and exergy efficiency (ηex) values, measuring 4.44 and 4.55, respectively, at the identical operating conditions with optimal condenser/cooler pressures of the examined blends. Furthermore, eco-friendly refrigerants R455A and R472A are recommended for integration into AAC systems in vehicles, as they help combat global warming and protect natural surroundings and leakage issues.

The mechanisms of nature-based therapy on depression, anxiety, stress, and life satisfaction: examining mindfulness in a two-wave mediation model.

Nature-based therapy (NBT), which centers around engaging in activities within natural surroundings, has consistently demonstrated therapeutic benefits for mental health. While NBT highlights the potential of nature as a therapeutic resource for promoting mental health, there is limited knowledge regarding its underlying mechanisms. Two hundred seventy-six Korean participants (204 women, mean age = 54.99 ± 23.25 years) participated in a 30-session gardening program held twice weekly for 15 weeks. Structural equation modeling with a two-wave autoregressive cross-lagged model was used to investigate the mediating effects of mindfulness. NBT significantly improved the mean scores of all psychological variables. The mediation model was partially confirmed, with mindfulness at post-intervention (T2) mediating the relationship between baseline (T1) depression and anxiety and post-intervention (T2) life satisfaction. However, no significant indirect effect was observed between the path from stress (T1) to life satisfaction (T2). Mindfulness is a crucial component for improving mental health outcomes. This study underscores the need to prioritize and emphasize mindfulness practices in NBT.

Why Do Chinese Glampers Recommend It? The Role of Original Ecology Environment in a Glamping Experience

ABSTRACT Glamping, which combines natural surroundings with quality accommodation, has been developing quickly in recent years in China. This study aims to fill the gap in empirical research on glamping by introducing a stimulus-organism-response (SOR) framework to investigate the factors influencing the behavioral intentions of glampers and to identify the specific dimensions of the original ecology environment, accommodation environment, and customers’ intrinsic affective values to determine their effects on WOM about glamping. A paper-based questionnaire was distributed offline, and 314 questionnaires were collected. The data were then analyzed using SPSS and PLS-SEM respectively. This study extends the application of the SOR framework in the WOM field and provides theoretical support for further research and exploration. Moreover, this study argues that the interplay between the original ecology environment, the traditional Chinese notion of ‘天人合一’ (Tian Ren He Yi), and aesthetics underpins the willingness of Chinese glamping participants to share their WOM. This study contributes to the development of the glamping industry in China and provides practical implications for the industry by understanding the needs of Chinese glampers.

Numerical Modelling and Sensitivity Analysis of the Pitztal Valley Debris Flow Event

Debris flows characterized by their rapid velocity and composition of water, mud, soil, and boulders, have the potential to inflict significant harm and present hazards to human life, infrastructure, and the natural surroundings. Numerical simulations provide a cost-effective approach for investigating different scenarios, hence boosting comprehension of flow dynamics and interactions. However, accurate modelling of these flows typically face difficult challenges arising from inherent modeling constraints and insufficient historical event data. The primary objective of the present study is to conduct numerical modeling and sensitivity analysis of the debris flow event that occurred in the Pitztal Valley, Austria in August of 2009, based on a multi-phase model for debris flows. The validation of the simulation results involves the comparison with the observed deposition patterns in the field. Various validation factors are employed to evaluate the accuracy of the simulated deposit and demonstrate a satisfactory level of precision in predicting deposition patterns. A sensitivity analysis is also conducted to examine the influence of in situ conditions on the effects of debris flow. The results demonstrate that numerical modelling can play an important role in engineering hazard assessment by analyzing the existing model’s effectiveness in simulating both historical and projected debris flow events.

Proteome signatures of joint toxicity to arsenic (As) and lead (Pb) in human brain organoids with optic vesicles

Arsenic (As) and lead (Pb) are toxins found in the natural surroundings, and the harmful health outcomes caused by the co-exposure of such toxins have become a considerable problem. However, the joint neurotoxicity of As and Pb to neurodevelopment and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Pluripotent stem cell-derived human brain organoids are emerging animal model alternatives for understanding neurological-related diseases. Therefore, we utilized brain organoids with optic vesicles (OVB-organoids) to systematically analyze the neurotoxicity of As and Pb. After 24 h of As and/or Pb exposure, hematoxylin-eosin staining revealed that As and Pb exposure could cause disorders in the structure of the ventricular zone and general cell disarrangement in OVB-organoids. Immunostaining displayed that OVB-organoids are more susceptible to As and Pb co-exposure than independent exposure in apoptosis, proliferation, and cell differentiation. Meanwhile, even though As and Pb could both hinder cell proliferation, contrary to Pb, As could induce an increasing proportion of mitotic (G2/M) cells. The proteome landscape of OVB-organoids illustrated that Pb synergized with As in G2/M arrest and the common role of As and Pb in carcinogenesis. Besides, proteomics analyses suggested the consequential role of autophagy and Wnt pathway in the neurotoxicity of As and Pb co-exposure. Overall, our findings provide penetrating insights into the cell cycle, carcinogenesis, autophagy, and Wnt pathway underlying the As and Pb binary exposure scenarios, which could enhance our understanding of the mixture neurotoxicity mechanisms.

Bird Species Identification Using Audio Processing Embedded With Translator

With their variety of vocalizations, birds contribute significantly to the acoustic fabric of our natural surroundings. Their songs and calls offer important clues in to the health of ecosystems and biodiversity. Contributions from the project include the creation of effective and trustworthy systems for classifying bird species, which may find use in ecological studies, biodiversity monitoring, and ornithology. A system like this could be useful for monitoring migratory patterns, evaluating changes in bird populations, and supporting conservation initiatives. The domains of artificial intelligence and ornithology are connected by this research. Keywords: Biodiversity, Acoustic fabric, Conservation, Vo- calizations, Ornithology

Creating Awareness for Sustainable Goals: Reading Ruskin Bond’s Short Stories Through Bioregionalism Lenses

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are evidence of the imbalance of human’s exploitation of nature through irresponsible consumption. This study has two purposes. First, it analyses how short stories and critical theories such as bioregionalism and ecocriticism can sensitize B-School learners to establish and sustain a lost relationship with nature. Second, it examines how establishing and reviving a solid relationship between purusha [human beings] and prakriti [nature] can help achieve SDGs through literature. To achieve these two aims, we critically examine Ruskin Bond’s short stories by employing the concept of bioregionalism. Our interpretation of the text and analysis of these stories showed strong connections between Bond’s short stories, bioregionalism and sensitizing readers. It was observed that if students are exposed to consuming such literature in their natural surroundings, it can increase their zeal to achieve SDGs. Incorporating literature in management education can raise awareness of responsible consumption as personal social responsibility.

Mapping The Terrain: A Study of Contour Analysis

Contour analysis is a pivotal process for architects and landscape designers, integral in seamlessly integrating designs with the natural terrain. By scrutinizing the geographical features of a site, designers gain invaluable insights that inform decisions in overall site planning. This research delves into the art of interpreting contours, offering a nuanced understanding of spatial navigation, sensory experiences, and aesthetics within architectural spaces through straightforward methodologies. Understanding the subtle undulations of the land enables architects to harmonize structures with the existing landscape, fostering a sense of unity. The contours serve as a blueprint for creating designs that not only blend seamlessly but also enhance the overall user experience. This investigation focuses on distilling complex topographical information into practical insights, providing designers with accessible tools to navigate the intricate relationship between built environments and natural surroundings. By unraveling the language of contours, architects and designers can unlock the potential for creating spaces that not only aesthetically please but also prioritize functionality and coherence with the environment. Key Words: Contour, fist, water flow, landscape.

It’s the vibe – Course environment and the intersection of environmental psychology and learner experience design

Overstimulated, anxious, and overwhelmed or relaxed, focused, and confident. Our environment affects the way we feel and recently the impacts of our environment on health and wellbeing have been widely publicised. We often associate mood-impacting environmental factors with our physical environments, both natural surroundings or built environments such as homes, workspaces, or classrooms. When considering learning environments through a post-digital lens, it is important to consider the impact of the design of the physical and digital learning spaces. Creating a learning environment that supports the wellbeing of learners, in addition to supporting academic success, can be difficult due to the individual needs of diverse learners and the nuances of the content being presented. However, by combining insights from environmental psychology and learner experience design (LXD), a sweet spot can be found. In this session, we will examine how these fields intersect with learning theory and how this intersection was leveraged to enhance course design through the inclusion of an LMS course template for credit bearing courses in a university. Canter and Craik (1981, p.2) defined environmental psychology as the relationship between “human experiences and actions with pertinent aspects of the socio-physical surroundings”. Aspects of the online environment as well as the physical environment that learners are in when engaging in online learning will be examined. We will look at how learners engage with components of the environment including course media, content organization, and connections with others and the alignment with learning theories such as cognitive load theory, situated cognition, and cognitive theory of multimedia learning (Brown, et al., 1989; Mayer, 2020; Schumacher, et al., 2013; Sweller, et al., 1998). According to Schmidt and Huang (2021), “LXD is a human-centric, theoretically-grounded, and socio-culturally sensitive approach to learning design, intended to propel learners towards identified learning goals, and informed by UXD methods.” It extends on principles from usability and User Experience (UX) design. This focus on the technical aspects of the learning environment considers how the learners’ interactions with the environment impacts the learning process (Schmidt & Tawfik, 2021). LXD may consist of both the learner's interaction with the learning environment and the perception of value of the elements in the learning space (Tawfik, et al., 2021). In January of 2023, the University of Canterbury implemented a course template for all credit bearing course instances in the LMS. The design of the template was informed by principles from learning theory, environmental psychology, and learner experience design. Efforts were made to decrease cognitive load, provide consistent organization of administrative information across courses, and to allow for flexibility in the presentation of subject specific content. Essential to this case is the human experience with the interactions with technology and content, as well as the role social elements play. When guided by the overlap of research-based theories and methods focused on learning, well-being, and technical interactions, courses can be designed to best support acquisition of knowledge and skills as well as to promote the wellbeing of the learners. This session aligns with the conference themes of Diverse People, Digital Partnerships, and Digital Pedagogy by supporting the work of learning designers, educators, and digital technologists. Deeper partnerships are encouraged between pedagogy and the community as well as people in distinct roles. The wellbeing of learners is supported through the advocacy of purposefully designed learning environments. The session also explores the relationship between people and technology.